The median home price in Massachusetts is $573,000, which has increased by 6.9% since the last year. The Massachusetts housing market has witnessed a 11.5% year-over-year increase in the number of homes listed. With only a 2-month supply left, the tight inventory is expected to drive an increase in the median sale price.
As per our research, home prices are relatively higher in coastal areas near Boston, MA. On the other hand, as you move towards the inland areas of the Bay State, you can find cheaper housing options.
4 Reasons to live in Massachusetts 🌆
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Massachusetts is ~$588K. But you can get houses between $228K and $356K in cities like North Adams, Chicopee, and Fitchburg.
- Tax Benefits: The cap on the rent deduction has increased to $4,000, offering additional relief for renters.
- Affordable Transportation: Transportation in cities that are listed below is up to 27.4% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than national average. You can save up to $300 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Adams | $49,525 | $228,540 | 12,777 | 3.2% | 15.1% |
| Springfield | $47,677 | $260,848 | 154,064 | 4.4% | 25.3% |
| Pittsfield | $66,859 | $280,035 | 43,310 | 2.7% | 13.8% |
| Chicopee | $63,866 | $281,816 | 54,980 | 3.3% | 15.5% |
| Holyoke | $49,007 | $290,423 | 37,720 | 3.8% | 26.0% |
| Gardner | $56,974 | $330,829 | 20,902 | 2.8% | 14.8% |
| Fitchburg | $65,963 | $356,820 | 41,502 | 3.4% | 13.9% |
7 Cheapest Places to Live in MA
The annual population growth of 6.3% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to Massachusetts. If you’re considering shifting to the Bay State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. North Adams
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 4.1%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $228,540 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,400 |
| 🌅 Known For | Natural Bridge State Park |
North Adams is an affordable place to live in Massachusetts. Its median house rent ranges from $850 – $1,690. It also offers very affordable transportation which is 27.4% lower than the national average.
The city fosters community engagement through various events and initiatives. Upper Common, facing First Parish Church, serves as a gathering space for events and features monuments, reflecting the community’s rich history.
The Fitchburg Historical Society Headquarters offers educational opportunities about the city’s past, encouraging residents to connect with their heritage.
» Homes for Sale in North Adams, MA: Find your dream home in this city.
2. Springfield
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 3.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $260,848 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,600 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Springfield Armory National Historic Site |
Springfield is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in Massachusetts with an average home rent ranging from $905 – $5,000. It also offers affordable healthcare which is 8.7% lower than the national average.
Springfield is a great place for people looking to buy a home. The city is situated on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River and offers a desirable living environment.
» Homes for Sale in Springfield, MA: Browse thousands of property listings in Springfield.
3. Pittsfield
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 4.1%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $280,035 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,454 |
| 🏖️ Known For | The Colonial Theatre |
With rental costs below the national average, Pittsfield stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Massachusetts. The house rent price is between $700 – $2,400.
With its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, Pittsfield enhances residents’ quality of life. Whether it’s enjoying the outdoors at Onota Lake or exploring the vibrant arts scene, there’s always something to do in the city.
» Homes for Sale in Pittsfield, MA: View all the properties for sale in this city.
4. Chicopee
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 3.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $281,816 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,550 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Westover Air Reserve Base |
Chicopee offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $850 lower than the national median. Moreover, the healthcare costs are 9.7% below the national average in the city.
Chicopee is known for its industrial history and scenic location. The city is home to Westover Air Reserve Base, contributing to the city’s economic and cultural identity.
» Homes for Sale in Chicopee, MA: Browse through thousands of affordable properties.
5. Holyoke
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 3.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $290,423 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,300 |
| 🎨 Known For | Mount Tom State Reservation |
Often referred to as the ‘The Paper City,’ Holyoke’s cost of living is 3.8% lower than the national average. The average transportation expenses are 11.5% lower than the national average.
Holyoke’s affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US.
» Homes for Sale in Holyoke, MA: Browse through thousands of properties in this city.
6. Gardner
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.5%⬆️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $330,829 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,500 |
| 🏫 Known For | Gardner Museum |
The house rent in Gardner is between $775 – $1,850. With an average household income of $56,974, you can comfortably live in this city.
Gardner’s crime rates are 24% lower than the Massachusetts average. This makes the city one of the safest city to live in the US.
» Homes for Sale in Gardner, MA: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Massachusetts.
7. Fitchburg
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.5%⬆️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $356,820 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,700 |
| 🖼️ Known For | First Parish Church |
Fitchburg is indeed one of the best places to live in Massachusetts.The monthly expenditure on food for an individual amounts to $585. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Fitchburg boasts cultural diversity, adding to the richness of its community and providing residents with various cultural events and experiences. For example, the city’s median household income of $60,803 supports a vibrant cultural scene.
» Homes for Sale in Fitchburg, MA: Get yourself a home in this beautiful city.
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Bottom Line
The cost of living in Massachusetts is 48% higher than the national average. It is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Massachusetts, you can find affordable housing in cities like North Adams, Springfield, and Pittsfield.
Cities like Gardner and Fitchburg have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
Find Homes for Sale in MA Under Your Specific Budget
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Massachusetts, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, Zillow and Best Places.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in Massachusetts?
The cheapest place to live in Massachusetts is North Adams.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Massachusetts: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Massachusetts!
What makes Massachusetts the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $573,000. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
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